A nine-paged document details a ban by the government on themes that promote homosexuality, which is regarded as abnormal sexual behaviour, witchcraft, reincarnation, on TV.

The bombshell has been released to the people of China and especially the China entertainment industry. Called the “General Principle of Television Drama Production Content”, a document details a ban by the government on themes that promote witchcraft, reincarnation, displays of homosexuality, which are regarded as abnormal sexual behaviour.

The theme of promiscuity on TV which is also regarded as that which challenges the sanctity of marriage was also banned. Romantic scenes which are too “stimulating”, have been prohibited. The document goes ahead to illegalize themes of of teenage romance, smoking, alcohol consumption and fighting.

Li Jingsheng, Chief of television drama under the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, said that the entertainment industry is by this, compelled to abide by this new law.

The nine paged document, published last year in December, has made its way to the internet with so many frowning at the bans. The Chinese public has in recent times had so many questions and arguments following the government’s decision to censor and remove popular drama series. These controversies had heightened when a popular online gay drama called ‘Addiction’ was pulled off the air abruptly without explanations, just three episodes to the finale.

This had aroused a lot of mouth lashing among Chinese people, with many frowning at the government’s backwards approach towards social issues. Some also say that homosexuality should not be an issue in the country.